tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6907444075262321092018-03-06T16:47:13.764-08:00La Palma Nature ToursRobert Burtonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06312759246650540495noreply@blogger.comBlogger13125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-690744407526232109.post-1303951999958806582017-02-07T10:52:00.002-08:002017-02-07T10:52:40.603-08:00Promotional articles published to dateI have had six articles published on the Canary Island Tourism blog, to date, with another two in the pipline. Click on the following link for the complete list:<br /><br /><a href="http://www.hellocanaryislands.com/users/robert-burton/">http://www.hellocanaryislands.com/users/robert-burton/</a>Robert Burtonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06312759246650540495noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-690744407526232109.post-78708361762271833892017-01-04T10:37:00.002-08:002017-01-04T10:37:42.166-08:00More promotional writingOK, so this one is not strictly about <i>nature</i>, but...<br /><br /><a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?hl=es&amp;q=http://www.hellocanaryislands.com/blog/actividades/morning-santa-cruz-de-la-palma/&amp;source=gmail&amp;ust=1483641433360000&amp;usg=AFQjCNGwGafwATiwbzFbIqrBHVuNpFAqgQ" href="http://www.hellocanaryislands.com/blog/actividades/morning-santa-cruz-de-la-palma/" style="background-color: white; color: #1155cc; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;" target="_blank">http://www.hellocanaryislands.<wbr></wbr>com/blog/actividades/morning-<wbr></wbr>santa-cruz-de-la-palma/</a>Robert Burtonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06312759246650540495noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-690744407526232109.post-85241349404023469852016-11-30T12:47:00.000-08:002016-11-30T12:48:27.012-08:00Another promotional articleMore promotional writing on La Palma, recently published on the Promotur website. See my latest post here:<br /><br /><blockquote style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;" type="cite"><div><div class="m_-7667802057859371047WordSection1"><span class="im" style="color: #500050;"></span><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="im" style="color: #500050;">&nbsp;<a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?hl=es&amp;q=http://www.hellocanaryislands.com/blog/actividades/driving-las-mimbreras-road/&amp;source=gmail&amp;ust=1480625178756000&amp;usg=AFQjCNFq-XVarOnsqHZLcxWHB97aK5usIg" href="http://www.hellocanaryislands.com/blog/actividades/driving-las-mimbreras-road/" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">http://www.hellocanaryislands.<wbr></wbr>com/blog/actividades/driving-<wbr></wbr>las-mimbreras-road/</a><u></u><u></u></span></div><span class="im" style="color: #500050;"><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div></span></div></div></blockquote>Robert Burtonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06312759246650540495noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-690744407526232109.post-7526087672904965992016-09-21T14:27:00.001-07:002016-09-21T14:27:07.411-07:00Start of the 2016-2017 seasonThe main season for northern European visitors is just starting on La Palma. Not only Thomson, but also Easy Jet are now offering direct flights to the island from the UK. Cruise ships will also be calling on a regular basis throughout the autumn and winter.<br /><br />The wildfire back in August has blackened pine forests in the south, making the drive down the western flank from Las Manchas to Fuencaliente rather depressing, but otherwise, not much of the burnt area is visible from the island's roads. As a safety precaution, and to enable the local authorities to assess the damage, all hiking paths in the southern summits are currently closed.<br /><br />The whole of the northern half of the island, including the Caldera de Taburiente National Park, &nbsp;is totally unaffected by the blaze.<br /><br />Here is some promotional writing to whet your appetite before your visit:<br /><br /><a href="http://www.hellocanaryislands.com/users/robert-burton/">http://www.hellocanaryislands.com/users/robert-burton/</a><br /><br /><br />Robert Burtonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06312759246650540495noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-690744407526232109.post-1416423566568002922016-02-21T05:52:00.002-08:002016-02-28T13:06:52.512-08:00Birding in the Laurel Forests<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-yukLcPATQs8/Vsmv44xGedI/AAAAAAAAB9g/Nngg0L136hI/s1600/IMG_7750b.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="255" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-yukLcPATQs8/Vsmv44xGedI/AAAAAAAAB9g/Nngg0L136hI/s400/IMG_7750b.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">&nbsp;<b><span style="color: #e69138;">Bolle's Pigeon (<i>Columba bollii</i>)</span></b></div><br />One of the target species of any visiting birder to the La Palma is<b> Bolle's Pigeon</b> <b>(<i>Columba bollii</i>)</b>. This species, together with the <b>Laurel Pigeon (<i>Columba junoniae</i>)</b>, is endemic to the Western Canaries. These two unique pigeons can be observed at a number of locations in La Palma's laurel forests, or in areas nearby, in the so-called thermophilous woodlands. Getting good views of perched birds through a spotting scope is one of the priorities on my birding tours.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8wWz4NNjyAU/VsmxXIUS-QI/AAAAAAAAB9s/FYAA7qQ76p4/s1600/IMG_6148b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="322" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8wWz4NNjyAU/VsmxXIUS-QI/AAAAAAAAB9s/FYAA7qQ76p4/s400/IMG_6148b.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="color: #e69138;">&nbsp;La Palma Blue Tit (<i>Cyanistes teneriffae</i> ssp. <i>palmensis</i>)</span></b></div><br />Another bird of interest, found in the laurel forests and in a variety of other habitats, is the La Palma subspecies of <b>African Blue Tit (<i>Cyanistes teneriffae</i> ssp. <i>palmensis</i>)</b>. Note the very contrasting, bluish-black and white head pattern, and the off-white belly patch typical of the La Palma race.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lQgieEkXmWQ/VsmxfUd7BJI/AAAAAAAAB9w/5gwk5L5PggY/s1600/IMG_6157b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="302" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lQgieEkXmWQ/VsmxfUd7BJI/AAAAAAAAB9w/5gwk5L5PggY/s400/IMG_6157b.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="color: #e69138;">&nbsp;La Palma Blue Tit (<i>Cyanistes teneriffae</i> ssp. <i>palmensis</i>)</span></b></div><br />The island's own sub-species of <b>Chaffinch (<i>Fringilla coelebs</i> ssp. <i>palmae</i>)</b>&nbsp;is very confiding near people, and can be seen around picnic tables and outdoor leisure facilities, where it is often fed. In contrast to the nominate Chaffinch (<i>Fringilla coelebs</i> <i>coelebs</i>), note the dark blue-grey crown and upperparts, with ochre-reddish tones restricted to the breast. The female is greenish brown above, with creamy underparts. Some birds have been ringed, as the one shown in the image below.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-a76Uzi7SbJc/Vsm7CPhQVTI/AAAAAAAAB-M/K9TRL5H979M/s1600/IMG_4806c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="310" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-a76Uzi7SbJc/Vsm7CPhQVTI/AAAAAAAAB-M/K9TRL5H979M/s400/IMG_4806c.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="color: #e69138;">La Palma Chaffinch (<i>Fringilla coelebs</i> ssp. <i>palmae</i>)</span></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div>The local race of <b>Goldcrest (<i>Regulus regulus</i> ssp. <i>ellenthalerae</i>) </b>can also be observed in laurel forests. It is a sub-species shared with the island of El Hierro.<br /><br />Then there is the lush, sub-tropical vegetation, including many endemic plants and trees. One of the most emblematic among them is the <b>Canary Island Bell-flower (<i>Canarina canariensis</i>)</b> shown in the following image.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0XQJWqW8yDs/Vsm1P4IuA4I/AAAAAAAAB98/DvkH8iAAXAU/s1600/DSCF6689.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0XQJWqW8yDs/Vsm1P4IuA4I/AAAAAAAAB98/DvkH8iAAXAU/s400/DSCF6689.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="color: #e69138;">Canary Island Bell-flower (<i>Canarina canariensis</i>)</span></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="color: #e69138;"><br /></span></b></div><div style="text-align: left;">Come and discover some of the gems of the laurel forests, on a guided birding and nature tour.</div>Robert Burtonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06312759246650540495noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-690744407526232109.post-67791143229336662532016-01-13T11:08:00.001-08:002016-01-13T11:52:49.281-08:00Snapshot impressions<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mHpLwzUBaUE/VpVcmTEsU2I/AAAAAAAAB7A/MuQnbzoXYfg/s1600/DSCF6789.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mHpLwzUBaUE/VpVcmTEsU2I/AAAAAAAAB7A/MuQnbzoXYfg/s400/DSCF6789.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">&nbsp;<b><span style="color: #e69138;">Canary Island Palm (<i>Phoenix canariensis</i>)</span></b></div><br />Found in large numbers on the island of La Palma, either singly or in groups, the Canary Palm (<i>Phoenix canariensis</i>) can also be admired in botanical gardens the world over, and is often seen adorning parks and promenades in regions with a suitable Mediterranean-style climate. It is a close relative of the date palm (<i>Phoenix dactylifera</i>), but does not produce edible fruits. However, the large orange-coloured seeds were once fed to livestock, and the sap (<i>guarapo</i>) is still harvested by night on the island of La Gomera to produce "palm honey".<br /><br />The Canary Palm is a typical member of the so-called thermophilous vegetation zone, growing at elevations above the coastal scrub, but below the laurel forest. Other representatives of this community include juniper (<i>Juniperus phoenicia</i>), wild olive trees (<i>Olea europaea</i> ssp.<i>cerasiformis</i>), and the emblematic dragon trees (<i>Dracaena draco</i>).<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-uC2URoqfR0I/VpVcoNejG9I/AAAAAAAAB7I/RPi075wD2bc/s1600/DSCF7104.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-uC2URoqfR0I/VpVcoNejG9I/AAAAAAAAB7I/RPi075wD2bc/s400/DSCF7104.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">&nbsp;<b><span style="color: #e69138;">Summit Bugloss, <i>Echium wildpretii</i> ssp. <i>trichosiphon</i></span></b></div><br />The summit of the island, above the tree-line, is at its most colourful in May and June. Several endemic bugloss (<i>Echium</i>) species can be found there, such as the spectacular plant shown above. In an attempt to restore the landscape to its pristine glory, the Caldera de Taburiente National Park has been carrying out extensive re-planting of native flora within fenced-off areas to protect the seedlings from introduced rabbits and/or Barbary Sheep (<i>Ammotragus lervia</i>). This well-intentioned project has unfortunately met with criticism from the island's most eminent botanist, who regards such heavy-handed interference with natural recovery processes as unwise. The work, and the debate, continue...<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-s0Naii04I84/VpVdZIDePsI/AAAAAAAAB7Y/NifLCV_v_Kk/s1600/DSCF9113.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-s0Naii04I84/VpVdZIDePsI/AAAAAAAAB7Y/NifLCV_v_Kk/s400/DSCF9113.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="color: #e69138;">&nbsp;An interesting climber, <i>Semele androgyna </i>("butcher's broom")</span></b></div><br />In laurel forested areas, in addition to the larger trees and bushes, keep an eye open for the curious liana shown above, endemic to Macaronesia. The small white flowers, apparently sprouting directly from the leaves are, in fact, produced from nodes on what are really flattened stems or cladodes (also known as phylloclades).<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-PQw7oy0ehbg/VpVdI9ZsJJI/AAAAAAAAB7Q/v9Uc9HkHWtM/s1600/DSCF9703b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="251" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-PQw7oy0ehbg/VpVdI9ZsJJI/AAAAAAAAB7Q/v9Uc9HkHWtM/s400/DSCF9703b.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="color: #e69138;">&nbsp;La Palma's own particular breed of goat</span></b></div><br />In addition to its endemic flora and fauna, La Palma also harbours&nbsp;<i>autochthonous</i> breeds of livestock... and yes, that really is an English word. It's an adjective meaning native or indigenous, and can be used for animals, plants or even people. La Palma's <i>aut</i>..., native breed of goat is particularly well-adapted to the steep, rocky terrain characteristic of many parts of the island. The animals are kept mainly for milk production, from which excellent cheeses are made.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ub0IaDwDzhU/VpVdub8qfNI/AAAAAAAAB7g/dAY-xGAhyUc/s1600/IMG_5347.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ub0IaDwDzhU/VpVdub8qfNI/AAAAAAAAB7g/dAY-xGAhyUc/s400/IMG_5347.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="color: #e69138;">Little Egret (<i>Egretta garzetta</i>) flocking near one of their roosting sites</span></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div>Little Egret (<i>Egretta garzetta</i>), and smaller numbers of Grey Heron (<i>Ardea cinerea</i>) can be observed all year round, although, surprisingly, no-one has ever discovered a nesting pair. It is one of the birding mysteries of the island: do they actually breed here, or not? Considerable numbers of both heron species over-winter on La Palma, as censuses in previous years have shown. One of their regular roosting sites is located along the section of coastline shown above. Another is at an irrigation pond hidden among banana plantations. The census technique consists of waiting at such sites and counting birds as they fly in just before nightfall.<br /><br />More impressions of La Palma coming up soon.Robert Burtonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06312759246650540495noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-690744407526232109.post-74736602080840751732015-01-15T01:00:00.008-08:002015-07-16T14:03:36.978-07:00Out in January<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-JGp_4WnfuBs/VLd3_lMsCCI/AAAAAAAABrE/sfOzDtClGpI/s1600/DSCF6609b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-JGp_4WnfuBs/VLd3_lMsCCI/AAAAAAAABrE/sfOzDtClGpI/s1600/DSCF6609b.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Todaroa aurea</i> (Apiaceae) - Canary Island endemic</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div>Above, perhaps a scene from an English cottage garden at the height of summer? &nbsp;Or just a section of one of La Palma's hiking paths...in mid-January? Believe it or not, many wild plants are already in bloom on the island, including several Canarian or Macaronesian endemics.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OQIbYvU6Z7Y/VLd4JajRmrI/AAAAAAAABrM/tNVJCwUnp1w/s1600/DSCF6548b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OQIbYvU6Z7Y/VLd4JajRmrI/AAAAAAAABrM/tNVJCwUnp1w/s1600/DSCF6548b.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Myatropa florea</i> - an abundant hover-fly</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;">Bees, hover-flies, and butterflies can be observed foraging on the early supply of nectar. Below, a couple of colourful lepidoptera:</div></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Yuy9FH-DKF8/VLd4V0IV9KI/AAAAAAAABrU/5mRqLoJraoE/s1600/DSCF6626c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="298" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Yuy9FH-DKF8/VLd4V0IV9KI/AAAAAAAABrU/5mRqLoJraoE/s1600/DSCF6626c.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Canary Islands' Large White (<i>Pieris cheiranthi</i>) - on <i>Echium brevirame</i></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-z1Kbw0nzl1s/VLd4kOeHp-I/AAAAAAAABrc/kiFZIpPLMvA/s1600/DSCF6781b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="316" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-z1Kbw0nzl1s/VLd4kOeHp-I/AAAAAAAABrc/kiFZIpPLMvA/s1600/DSCF6781b.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Canary Admiral (<i>Vanessa vulcania</i>)</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-BJJOcxPUUvk/VLd4w1_AYZI/AAAAAAAABrk/Bc2fi6w0rrc/s1600/DSCF6770b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="330" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-BJJOcxPUUvk/VLd4w1_AYZI/AAAAAAAABrk/Bc2fi6w0rrc/s1600/DSCF6770b.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />All photos taken recently, with a handheld Fuji HS10 bridge camera.Robert Burtonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06312759246650540495noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-690744407526232109.post-89972345003811238432014-09-10T12:05:00.000-07:002016-02-21T09:30:04.571-08:00Guided ToursThe start of the season for foreign visitors to the island is about to commence. Cruise ships will be arriving in the harbour of Santa Cruz on a regular basis &nbsp;throughout the autumn and winter months. Charter flights to La Palma from Central and Northern Europe will peak during the same period...<br /><br />Looking for an original and informative way of touring the island during your stay? I am a locally resident, English-speaking guide with many years experience. Please browse through this nature blog, or visit my longer-running&nbsp;<a href="http://lapalmabirds.blogspot.com/">birding blog</a>&nbsp;to get an idea of my fields of interest.<br /><br />I can provide or organize transport for personalised full- or half-day tours of the island, tailored to the priorities of individual guests or small groups, at very reasonable rates.<br /><br />Please feel free to enquire by email at: grajaland@gmail.comRobert Burtonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06312759246650540495noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-690744407526232109.post-61581491437788695502014-02-06T14:09:00.002-08:002014-03-10T09:06:17.122-07:00What you won't see on a standard coach tour...<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3O17rd6MXrI/UvPh9AOecyI/AAAAAAAABbM/a_xmt99M7Ww/s1600/DSCF2020b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3O17rd6MXrI/UvPh9AOecyI/AAAAAAAABbM/a_xmt99M7Ww/s1600/DSCF2020b.jpg" height="263" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">North coast from NW corner towards NE tip</td></tr></tbody></table>With a title like the present one, the scope is almost unlimited. That is because standard island coach tours are precisely what their name implies: <i>standard</i>. Whether you are staying at a resort, or are here briefly on a cruise ship, you will be taken to the same well-known locations: the San Antonio volcano in the south, the Cumbrecita viewpoint on the west side, or the Tilos laurel forest up in the northeast, plus a few other minor attractions along the way. Fair enough, if all you ask for is a brief sample of the scenery, and a basic impression of the island...<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pwYbMOpsYHA/UvPieMiHxZI/AAAAAAAABbU/PqQ4DjVx1VY/s1600/DSCF9386b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pwYbMOpsYHA/UvPieMiHxZI/AAAAAAAABbU/PqQ4DjVx1VY/s1600/DSCF9386b.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Caldera National Park from the ravine bed</td></tr></tbody></table>But the island of La Palma has far more to offer than it's standard coach-tour exhibits. Some of the most spectacular landscapes, and all those unique, off-the-beaten-track corners are only reachable by private car, or on foot. If you are fit enough, you might consider booking an organised hike in a guided group. Such hiking tours are highly recommendable; however, bear in mind that these hiking routes are not geared towards nature observation. There's very limited time available <i>en route</i> for identifying birds or photographing plants, and certainly no patient waiting, or searching for target species. Hiking is a "keep-moving" sport.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PItI40nP8F8/UvPiznb8_lI/AAAAAAAABbc/cHkPelHd2CU/s1600/DSCF2416d.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PItI40nP8F8/UvPiznb8_lI/AAAAAAAABbc/cHkPelHd2CU/s1600/DSCF2416d.jpg" height="263" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Red-billed Chough (<i>Pyrrhocorax pyrrhocorax</i>)</td></tr></tbody></table>Nature observation is a different matter altogether, and La Palma offers a number of surprises...<br /><br />&nbsp;'Ever seen Red-billed Choughs perching in pine trees before? Neither had the experts at the 3rd International Workshop on the Conservation of the Chough, held on La Palma in October 2010. Everyone was impressed. With an estimated 2,800 resident choughs, &nbsp;La Palma has one of the highest population densities of this species in Europe, boasting about 4 birds per square kilometre! Flocks of 50-100 individuals are by no means uncommon.<br /><br />On an average coach tour, you might even get a distant glimpse of a flock through your window, as you cruise along the road at 60km per hour...if you happen to be sitting on the right side of the bus. But surely it would be more rewarding to spend time leisurely observing the birds as they forage on the ground, or peck at the fruits of the prickly-pear (<i>Opuntia</i>) cacti, or home in towards one of their communal roosts at sunset? If you enjoy wildlife photography, you'll need time to try different angles and camera settings. Standard coach tours and hikes, by definition, do nor cater for special interests.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8NMt7LqJp7I/UvPjfcus-vI/AAAAAAAABbo/sNPG4N55gVs/s1600/DSCF8553b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8NMt7LqJp7I/UvPjfcus-vI/AAAAAAAABbo/sNPG4N55gVs/s1600/DSCF8553b.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Coastal vegetation on the southern tip of the island</td></tr></tbody></table>La Palma's flora is particularly rich, with many striking endemic species, such as the white flowering Bugloss (<i>Echium brevirame</i>) and fleshy-leafed "Sea Lettuce" (<i>Astydamia latifolia</i>) shown above. Plants are notoriously tricky to identify from speeding coaches...they just look, well, you know, nice and colourful. The island's butterflies won't be on your itinerary either...<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-10zmkFKFRBY/UvPkLn8-RYI/AAAAAAAABbw/fjvGGe3pfO8/s1600/DSCF1981.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-10zmkFKFRBY/UvPkLn8-RYI/AAAAAAAABbw/fjvGGe3pfO8/s1600/DSCF1981.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Plain Tiger (<i>Danaus chrysippus</i>)</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>In a nutshell, what you won't see on a standard coach tour or organized hike, could well be fairly high on your wish list.&nbsp;If that is the case, your alternatives include:<br /><br />1. Booking a holiday with a reputable wildlife/birding company. Choice of dates will be limited, prices will be relatively high.<br />2. Doing things independently, in your own hired car. Feasible, but requires research beforehand, reliable information, and, ideally, a smattering of Spanish.<br />3. Coming to the island on a conventional cruise or package holiday and booking the services of a local English-speaking guide on a flexible, day-by-day basis. A resident guide who is similarly motivated by nature observation and can take you to the key spots for Laurel Pigeon, Bolle's Pigeon and Barbary Falcon, or to the most spectacular, natural landscapes, or to virtually untouched areas of native vegetation...<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1lkGYSF_YvY/UvPo_YDuHKI/AAAAAAAABcE/QPIfg_zod1E/s1600/DSCF9172b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1lkGYSF_YvY/UvPo_YDuHKI/AAAAAAAABcE/QPIfg_zod1E/s1600/DSCF9172b.jpg" height="261" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">La Palma lizard (<i>Gallotia galloti palmae</i>)</td></tr></tbody></table>I offer both full- and half-day island tours, tailored to suit individual requirements. For further details, please write to: <a href="mailto:grajaland@gmail.com">grajaland@gmail.com</a>Robert Burtonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06312759246650540495noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-690744407526232109.post-60513132531476981202013-12-27T14:04:00.002-08:002013-12-28T12:07:55.340-08:00Spectacled Warbler<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HFS353uyKsw/Ur3rnsj6rlI/AAAAAAAABZE/G5f75qY8UXY/s1600/IMG_0601b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="370" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HFS353uyKsw/Ur3rnsj6rlI/AAAAAAAABZE/G5f75qY8UXY/s400/IMG_0601b.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Spectacled Warbler (<i>Sylvia conspicillata)</i></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div>Of the four warblers found on La Palma, the <b>Spectacled</b>&nbsp;<b>Warbler </b>(<i>Sylvia conspicillata</i>) is the least widespread. It is a bird of scrublands, though not necessarily coastal: in fact, one of the best places to observe this species is on the very summit of the island, among the broom bushes (<i>Adenocarpus viscosus</i>) in the vicinity of Roque de los Muchachos (2,426m).<br /><br />However, the images shown in the present post were taken virtually at sea-level, in another of the bird's favoured haunts: the sparse scrub near the lighthouse on the southern tip of the island (Faro de Fuencaliente).<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-m8Lyr6pobL8/Ur3rt4AevkI/AAAAAAAABZM/Xm79E09o1hU/s1600/IMG_0033b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="325" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-m8Lyr6pobL8/Ur3rt4AevkI/AAAAAAAABZM/Xm79E09o1hU/s400/IMG_0033b.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />The Spectacled Warbler seems to be particularly fond of <i>salado</i> bushes (<i>Schizogyne sericea</i>), a Macaronesian endemic plant of coastal areas. The bird's rattlesnake-like rattle can often be heard coming from the uppermost twigs, before it drops into the foliage in search of prey. It also forages briefly on the ground, around the base of the bushes, but rarely stays out of cover for more than a few seconds.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CFBHIdAeSlE/Ur3ry4EfQ0I/AAAAAAAABZU/X1C7DZsnK58/s1600/IMG_0083b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="335" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CFBHIdAeSlE/Ur3ry4EfQ0I/AAAAAAAABZU/X1C7DZsnK58/s400/IMG_0083b.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />Patience is occasionally rewarded with views of birds perching on the walls around the salt-pans...<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-EqVwSgO7BMY/Ur3r4C9dDRI/AAAAAAAABZc/v42mer-FsLc/s1600/IMG_0603b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="325" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-EqVwSgO7BMY/Ur3r4C9dDRI/AAAAAAAABZc/v42mer-FsLc/s400/IMG_0603b.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />By the way, La Palma's other three resident warblers are the Canary Island Chiffchaff (<i>Phylloscopus canariensis</i>), the Blackcap (<i>Sylvia atricapilla</i>) and the Sardinian Warbler (<i>Sylvia melanocephala</i>). All three are widespread and abundant on the island.<br /><br />My guided birding tours of La Palma are focussed on the island´s forest birds, especially on the two endemic pigeon species, restricted to the Western Canaries: Bolle's Pigeon (<i>Columba bollii</i>) and the Laurel Pigeon (<i>Columba junoniae</i>). &nbsp;A trip to the saltpans can be included to observe migratory waders, and for the chance to admire the handsome Spectacled Warbler featured in this post.<br /><br /><br />Robert Burtonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06312759246650540495noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-690744407526232109.post-14564673233602670302013-11-23T04:30:00.002-08:002014-03-10T09:05:06.645-07:00Flora and vegetation<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Dtohn1he2rQ/UpCXoLPHAQI/AAAAAAAABWA/SjDhZNs2hfc/s1600/DSCF0021.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Dtohn1he2rQ/UpCXoLPHAQI/AAAAAAAABWA/SjDhZNs2hfc/s400/DSCF0021.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Aeonium nobile</i></td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">&nbsp;&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Ever since the first expeditions by Victorian naturalists, the flora of the Canary Islands has maintained its exotic appeal . The English botanical artist Marianne North was among the first to depict the curious plants she observed on Tenerife, where, in 1875, she devoted several months of her prolific career. The results of her work can be admired at the &nbsp;Marianne North gallery in Kew Gardens.&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Nowadays, with the advent of global travel, the flora of these islands is perhaps no longer quite so "exotic" as it once was, yet there are still various plants which have a distinctly "African" feel, and others which evoke tropical rainforests...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">As a result of the climatic variations due to altitude, the vegetation on La Palma can be classified into five clearly recognnisable zones or belts... plus a handful of other ecological niches not strictly dependent on altitude (watercourses, rock faces, etc.). The five zones in this simplified system are, in ascending order: coastal, thermophile, laurel forest, pine forest, and summit scrub. On the leeward side of the island, isolated from the humid influence of the Trade Winds, the third zone (laurel forest) is absent, and pine forest consequently extends over a larger area.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The first photograph at the head of this post shows one of the most spectacular members of the <i>Aeonium</i> genus, <i>A. nobile,</i> a species exclusive to La Palma.&nbsp;These succulents are generally found at lower elevations, typically clinging to ledges on rock faces, especially on the arid, west side of the island.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5mAkb0r-vBg/UpCYFJo-2gI/AAAAAAAABWI/xm8UJVxyn0c/s1600/DSC9436c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5mAkb0r-vBg/UpCYFJo-2gI/AAAAAAAABWI/xm8UJVxyn0c/s400/DSC9436c.jpg" height="326" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Euphorbia mellifera</i> var. <i>canariensis</i></td></tr></tbody></table><br />Laurel forests are particularly rich in endemic plants; one of the most unexpected elements in these subtropical woodlands - since most other spurges on the Canaries are confined to dry, coastal areas - is the Euphorbia species shown above, a plant with a very restricted distribution on La Palma.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-FCRFsVFVgoA/UpCY3MrSINI/AAAAAAAABWQ/icSJmhbk7uw/s1600/DSCF9883.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-FCRFsVFVgoA/UpCY3MrSINI/AAAAAAAABWQ/icSJmhbk7uw/s400/DSCF9883.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">La Palma Violet,&nbsp;<i>Viola palmensis</i></td></tr></tbody></table>Undisputed star among the island's endemisms, the "La Palma Violet" even features in a well-known local legend. These pretty little plants flower profusely on the summits of the island in May and June.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-G_nS5TU44DE/UpCbaCc0ldI/AAAAAAAABWk/lMSJGX3xuL0/s1600/DSCF9915b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-G_nS5TU44DE/UpCbaCc0ldI/AAAAAAAABWk/lMSJGX3xuL0/s400/DSCF9915b.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Summit broom, <i>Genista benehoavensis</i></td></tr></tbody></table>Above is another high mountain specialist, endemic to La Palma. In this particular broom species the golden-yellow flowers are tightly clustered, and the foliage is greyish-green in colour, making these bushes easy to differentiate from the more abundant <i>codeso</i> brooms (<i>Adenocarpus viscosus</i>) which dominate the slopes above the treeline.<br /><br />All five of La Palma's five vegetation zones are still well represented on the island: why not consider a guided walk to identify the key species of each zone?<br /><br /><br />Robert Burtonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06312759246650540495noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-690744407526232109.post-41933567710624279122013-11-21T05:45:00.002-08:002013-11-23T12:06:24.318-08:00Contrasting landscapes<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-m7bEYfSWmrs/Uo4NdLVGUNI/AAAAAAAABTw/qZ5jS4YB_yg/s1600/DSCF1360c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="230" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-m7bEYfSWmrs/Uo4NdLVGUNI/AAAAAAAABTw/qZ5jS4YB_yg/s400/DSCF1360c.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The cascade of Trade Wind clouds spilling over Cumbre Nueva</td></tr></tbody></table>Lying in the path of the NE Trade Winds, and reaching altitudes of over 2,000 metres above sea level, the island of La Palma has a drier, leeward side, and a wetter, windward side. Above is a typical landscape on the sheltered, west side of the island. The cloud cascade visible in the background is a well-known local phenomenon often associated with strong Föhn winds. The characteristic forest on the leeward side of the island is Canary Pine (<i>Pinus canariensis</i>).<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--r76bx_PDDg/Uo4N7pkl1UI/AAAAAAAABT4/jZ7MFxYnfmY/s1600/DSCF3690b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--r76bx_PDDg/Uo4N7pkl1UI/AAAAAAAABT4/jZ7MFxYnfmY/s400/DSCF3690b.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">An area of lush laurel forests in Cubo de La Galga</td></tr></tbody></table>In striking contrast to the west, the generally cloudier east side of the island harbours some of the best-preserved laurel forests in the Canaries. These lush, subtropical woodlands are unique to Macaronesia, and are home to numerous endemic plants and various endemic bird species. Avian highlights of La Palma's laurel forests include Bolle's Pigeon (<i>Columba bollii</i>), the Laurel Pigeon (<i>Columba junoniae</i>), the <i>palmae</i> subspecies of Chaffinch, and the <i>palmensis</i> subspecies of African Bluetit.<br /><br />Whilst finding the local Chaffinch in La Palma's laurel forests presents no difficulties - if you're eating, it usually finds you - getting good views of either of the two pigeon species is not so easy. Luck, as always, plays a role, but thorough local knowledge of the best locations at a given time of the year is a more reliable way to ensure good views of these attractive birds.<br /><br />In a half-day tour, I can lead you to spots where both Bolle's and the Laurel Pigeon can be observed well.<br /><br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dGY1lvF1tsk/Uo5cAO8orOI/AAAAAAAABUI/xsJCvfx-C6E/s1600/IMG_7758b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="303" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dGY1lvF1tsk/Uo5cAO8orOI/AAAAAAAABUI/xsJCvfx-C6E/s400/IMG_7758b.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bolle's Pigeon (<i>Columba bollii</i>)</td></tr></tbody></table><br />Robert Burtonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06312759246650540495noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-690744407526232109.post-5561125046065845382013-11-21T02:42:00.000-08:002013-11-25T23:52:07.458-08:00Introduction<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-R5vwtvx3hAM/Uo3iu8HAUxI/AAAAAAAABTc/yI5BHnagaX4/s1600/IMG_1556xyz.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="323" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-R5vwtvx3hAM/Uo3iu8HAUxI/AAAAAAAABTc/yI5BHnagaX4/s400/IMG_1556xyz.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One of the commonest birds on the island, the Sardinian Warbler (<i>Sylvia melanocepahala</i>)</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="color: #274e13;">"La Palma Nature Tours" is the companion to "La Palma Birds" (<a href="http://lapalmabirds.blogspot.com/">http://lapalmabirds.blogspot.com</a>), which is primarily concerned with migratory bird sightings on La Palma.</span></b></div><br />The present blog focusses mainly on the island's resident bird species, as well as on other aspects of local flora, fauna and landscapes. It is designed to highlight the attractions of La Palma not only for birders, but also for natural history enthusiasts in general.<br /><br />The island is famed for its rugged mountainous terrain, criss-crossed by an excellent network of hiking paths, but there are also pine and laurel forests to explore, and picturesque rural areas seemingly caught in their own particular time warp.<br /><br />If you are impressed by what you see in the following posts, or are planning to visit the island in any case, you might wish to consider a personalised full- or half-day tour of the island. I am a freelance guide with many years experience. Please feel free to contact me at: <a href="mailto:grajaland@gmail.com">grajaland@gmail.com</a>Robert Burtonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06312759246650540495noreply@blogger.com